Alright everyone! With so much going on in the world right now, I felt this post was an IMPORTANT one. We as teachers need to not only help educate, but STAND UP for our students! Having a biracial daughter myself, I hope that teachers will not only stand up for her, but also see her color, and love her for who she is as a person! It is not fair, and not enough to teach our children and students to "not see color". We DO and WILL see color, as well as the injustice and unique experiences that come with that color. As an urban educator, my students will have many encounters where they are judged solely based on the color of their skin. It is part of my job to teach them that they are equal, they are enough, and they WILL be loved just the way they are! Keeping your classroom diverse will not only help educate them, but show them that they are just as important as everyone else!
Here are my top 10 diverse books that I not only have for my daughter, but also in my classroom! Most of these can be found on Amazon, or Target!
1. I am Enough
This is one of my FAVORITES! This book is a New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This amazing read is about loving who you are, respecting & being kind to one another, and realizing that being who you are IS ENOUGH. We bought this book for my daughter before she was even born! I highly recommend for your classroom or home!
2. I Believe I Can
This is ANOTHER New York Times bestseller and also from the creators of I Am Enough. It is an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's LIMITLESS potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for children of every background to love and believe in themselves. This book is gorgeously illustrated, and will teach your students that their presence MATTERS in this world. They can do anything, if only they believe they can.
3. I'm Gonna Push Through
This book is based on the Push Through movement that inspires children to celebrate RESILIENCE in the face of adversity. It is an invitation to young readers to announce their own power. To teach them that even when life gets tough, they still must PUSH THROUGH. This book will not not only lift children up, but show them how to lift themselves up and succeed to their full potential.
4. Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History
This beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller introduces readers of all ages to women who changed the world. Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of amazing black women in American history. Readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world a better place. Whether they were writing, flying, or speaking up for the rights of others. The women in this book were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big, amazing, and inspiring.
5. When God Made You
This is one of my favorites to read to my daughter! It teaches children that God was thinking of them long before they were brought into this world. Children are always looking to discover their place in the world, and longing to understand how they fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved, and unique in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. When God Made You inspires young children to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God's divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
6. Hair Love
I actually saw a video of this before I even knew it was a book! Hair Love is about the relationship between a Black father and his daughter. It teaches children to love the skin that they are in, and the hair that they are born with! The author, Matthew A. Cherry leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. All educators need books like this in their classrooms.
7. Sulve
Sulve is a stunningly illustrated book, written by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o. It is about a young girl's journey with colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within. In this amazing book, Lupita Nyong'o creates a heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty differently. To teach them that they are amazing, and beautiful just the way they are!
8. King Of Kindergarten
This is a MUST HAVE for any Kindergarten classroom! I read it during the first week of school every year! My students always love it! Starting Kindergarten is a huge milestone, and can be very scary for most children. In this book, the little boy can not wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's ready for the challenge. Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give your new kindergartners the reassuring confidence boost they need!
9. Chocolate ME
Chocolate Me!, is a book based on experiences of feeling different and trying to fit in as kids. The authors have seen NOW more than ever the need for a book that encourages all people, especially kids, to love themselves. In the book, the boy is teased for looking different than the other children. His skin is darker, his hair is curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is inside, and out.
10. It's Okay To Be Different
It's okay to need some help. It's okay to be a different color. It's okay to talk about your feelings. It's Okay to Be Different delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence. It is perfect for young children who are learning to read. This book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence. Let's be honest, it is never to early to develop a healthy self-esteem!
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